Gladiator System Support Engineer

About the Role

Boeing Defence UK is seeking a Systems Support Engineer to join our team at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the on-site operation, maintenance, and bespoke evolution of a sophisticated suite of training simulation applications and services tailored specifically for the RAF’s Gladiator programme. You will be an integral part of the Systems Support Team, directly supporting the delivery of operationally critical team and collective training exercises. This fast-paced, customer-focused role is based entirely on-site, with no remote work options.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily on-site support for the Gladiator system, collaborating with MoD and civilian instructional staff during exercise planning and preparation.
• Clearly communicate system capabilities and limitations to set realistic expectations.
• Initialise systems to the required configuration and maintain operational readiness.
• Proactively monitor performance, rapidly diagnose faults in line with SLAs, and apply hotfixes or workarounds to preserve training outcomes and maximise uptime.
• Deploy configurations and software using established deployment pipelines and source-control tools, following change control and release processes to minimise risk.
• Respond to user issues promptly and professionally, prioritising customer needs and delivering practical, timely solutions.
• Execute troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, configuration changes, and exercise support (including visits and demonstrations), with attention to safety, security, and operational impact.
• Analyse system, software, and event logs, dump files, and console outputs to identify root causes of faults or bugs, escalating and documenting issues transparently.
• Complete post-operation tasks and controlled shutdowns, restoring environments to predefined baselines.
• Liaise constructively with third-party suppliers and internal Boeing teams (integration, test, development) to resolve faults and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain, review, and improve operational processes and technical documentation.
• Travel occasionally to remote sites as required.
• Undertake shift work between 0730 – 1800 with occasional unsociable hours.
• Demonstrate Boeing values and behaviours at all times: act with integrity, take ownership of outcomes, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and adapt positively to changing priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

Basic Qualifications:

• Eligibility for UK SC Security Clearance is required; applicants must be able to obtain the necessary clearance.
• Commitment to working safely at all times and applying sound engineering practices.
• Willingness to work in a military environment and follow required security procedures.
• Familiarity with source control concepts and workflows (e.g., Git).
• Foundational knowledge of networking, common protocols, and routing.
• Basic understanding of deploying and managing software on multi-component systems.
• Experience supporting software and applications on Windows and Server platforms; exposure to Linux (RHEL) is beneficial.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking to diagnose and resolve issues.
• Ability to explain technical issues clearly and work effectively as part of a team.
• Around 1+ years’ experience in a relevant engineering, technical, or scientific role is preferred, with demonstrable ability and a commitment to learning valued over formal qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with simulation systems, especially HLA and DIS protocols.
• Familiarity with synthetic training environments or equivalent large-scale integration projects.
• Understanding of military training simulation systems and relevant standards.

What Boeing Offers You

Boeing provides a comprehensive benefits package focusing on your physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being, including competitive salary, annual incentive plans, continuous learning opportunities, excellent adoption and parental leave, 23 days holiday plus UK public holidays and a winter break, a pension plan with up to 10% employer contribution, company-paid BUPA Medical Plan, generous sickness pay, life insurance, and access to well-being programs.

Work Authorisation

This is a locally hired position in the UK. Candidates must possess current legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. Boeing will not provide immigration and labour sponsorship.